Please note: Understanding by Design should be used as a reference book so we will only be using the Introduction and Chapters 1 & 3.
Week 1
Read – full book
Brown J. S. & D, Thomas. (2011). A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 1456458884
Week 2
How People Learn: Bridging Research and Practice – How People Learn.pdf (Accessed through course BB site)
– Read the Introduction, Summary and Key Findings of the report
Learning theory: models, product and process In the Learning as a process – learning theory (section toward the bottom of the page) review the four linked orientations to learning: behaviourist, cognitive, humanistic, and social/situational. Also make note of the Four orientations to learning (after Merriam and Caffarella 1991: 138) table. http://infed.org/mobi/learning-theory-models-product-and-process/
Learning Theories.com Knowledge base and webliography – WARNING this is a commercial site filled with too many adds. The only reason I am including this resource is that their first page offers a very good top level breakdown or hierarchy of all the learning theories or paradigms and the subdivisions within those categories. This site can help you understand where your thinking about learning fits. http://www.learning-theories.com/
Learning theories and online learning – Great starting point for exploring what learning theories work best online or in a blended format. There is a link to Tony Bates free ebook and the full chapter on Learning theories that should also be explored http://www.tonybates.ca/2014/07/29/learning-theories-and-online-learning/
Four keys to understanding learning theories – Provides an overview of the main learning theories and how to approach exploring them. https://www.harapnuik.org/?p=6344
Week 3
Mapping your Learners Journey – https://www.harapnuik.org/?p=6420
Self-Directed Guide to Course Design – Fink Summary.pdf (Accessed through course BB site)
Week 4
Read: Introduction, Chapters 1 & 3
Wiggins G. P. & J. McTighe. (2005). Understanding by Design, Expanded 2nd Edition. Pearson. This text will be referred to as UbD
Read: Chapters 1 – 4
Dweck C. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success.
Week 5
Read: Chapters 5 – 8
Dweck C. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success.
This past week in a curriculum development course I was facilitating I was reminded of a huge responsibility I have as a professor; and that we all have as members of humanity.
As is normally the case when I show my class a Youtube video on Carol Dwecks Mindset the ensuing discussion was lively, passionate and sobering. In Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Dweck makes the well researched argument that intelligence and talent are not fixed a birth and that by adopting a growth mindset, learners become more willing to take on challenges, try harder, embrace setbacks, learn from feedback/criticism, find inspiration in other’s success and ultimately reach higher levels of achievement. These are all the characteristics that we want in all learners especially as we move into the digital information age.
Unfortunately this too often is not the mindset that we see in most of our learners. One seasoned and insightful instructor taking my course pointed out that too many of his learners believe they are entitled to an “A”, believe that challenges are only for those who lack ability, are not willing to learn from feedback and are threatened by the success of others. He rightfully pointed that many of these types of learners would be quite upset with having to deal with this idea of the growth mindset because they been feed a consistent diet of fixed mindset thinking. This type of thinking could shake their world.
He was right…this type of thinking has the potential to change the learner. Change often puts people on the defensive or even makes them angry. Even if we just reach one learner at a time in our classrooms, the ripple effect from this change will eventually change that learner’s world. It is possible to change the world one learner at a time.
So is this yet another responsibility placed upon college and university professors, teachers and instructors? When you consider that anywhere from 70 – 90% of learning is informal and happens outside of the classroom (see Jay Cross post Where did the the 80% come from) the responsibility to impact the learners around us is societal. We are all learners. Whether they are our children, family, friends, co-workers our staff or colleagues we all have learners in our sphere of influence.
The following are the links to articles, blog post, YouTube videos, TED Talks, and books that were used or referenced in the PIDP 3210 Curriculum Development course:
Passive Voice
What’s Passive Voice? Consider this extreme example of passive voice:
It has been observed in a frequency all too significant that students upon submission of their written assignments have been inclined to have chosen a manner of composition that is too often far from one that is direct enough to be understood as conveying meaning in a fashion that is most expedient.
Same idea in Active voice:
Students too often submit assignments where they don’t directly write what they mean.
OR
Students too often turn in work where they don’t directly say what they mean to say.
Use the following sites to help you prevent passive voice:
You will find this video, learning philosophy and links to many of my presentations, and my favorite blog posts on my blog About page.
The Head Won’t Go Where the Heart Hasn’t Been
Benjamin Bloom argued that we need to address all the domains and find a balance. We often overemphasize the cognitive domain, relegate the psychomotor to the trades or other overtly physical disciplines and limit the affective domain to ethical or values issues. This limitation will severely limit the change that is necessary for learning. The blog post The Head Won’t Go Where the Heart Hasn’t Been post includes a more detailed explanation of the importance of the affective domain and has links to the Behavioral Science (BS) Guys video How to Change People Who Don’t Want to Change and also a related TED Talk Why TED Talks don’t change people’s behaviors.
Organizational Change
Change can also be difficult because sometimes people like things the way that they are. The post People how like this stuff…like this stuff explores the 4 steps that you need to follow to be successful with organizational change. These 4 steps have become part of the Masters Course EDLD 5304: Leading Organizational Change.
Change in Focus
If you really want to improve your practices and pedagogies, then you need to get clear on your primary focus because your focus will determine where you will go. The use of authentic learning opportunities can help you and your organization stay focused on helping your learners to realize their full potential and grow into future leaders who will help improve our world.
Because the century-old challenge of content delivery has been solved by mobile technology we can move forward to use authentic learning opportunities that provide the context for learning.
Fixed VS Growth Mindset
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
The power of believing that you can improve | Carol Dweck
The Power of belief — mindset and success | Eduardo Briceno | TEDxManhattanBeach
You will find a very useful Fixed vs Growth Mindset graphic and a short comparison of how the Fixed Vs Growth Mindset is equivalent to the Print Vs Digital Information Age on the blog post Fixed Vs Growth Mindset = Print Vs Digital Information Age
Mapping Your Learner’s Journey
If we view our course Outline or Syllabus as a map rather than a contract we will do a better job in getting our learner to where they need to be. Consider the ideas in the post Mapping Your Learner’s Journey.
Don’t Let Learning Styles Limit Your Learning
Learning Styles Don’t Exist
Content Saturation
In the article Rescuing Nursing Education from Content Saturation: The Case for a Concept-Based Curriculum Jean F. Giddens and Debra P. Brady argue that nursing education has been plagued with a saturation of content for many years. Fortunately, they offer recommendations on how to move away from content delivery and saturation and how to create a learning environment based on a conceptual approach to curriculum development. Even though this article is focused on nursing it is a good read for any instructor in any discipline.
People Don’t Buy What You Do They Buy Why You Do It
Start with why – how great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek | TEDxPugetSound
In the past 30 years that I have spent in Academia (Post Secondary) as a student, professor, administrator, Vice President Academic, and most recently as a Learning Innovation Consultant I have spoken to thousands of people at hundreds of events —Take me to the full list. I have also listened to hundreds (perhaps even thousands) of speakers and learned that the most effective speakers are those who are passionate about their subject and who bring you into their world.
Finding the Right Fit
In my capacity as an academic leader I have also been responsible for planning and hosting hundreds of events, from small professional development sessions to large multi-day conferences, so I understand the challenge of finding just the right speaker. The quality of events was directly dependent on the quality of our speakers. If we had the right speakers then the events were successful. More often than not the most successful sessions were the ones in which the speaker moved away from the traditional sage on the stage position and engaged the audience in a dialogue.
Active and Engaging
Even though I have conducted several keynote addresses and have been a sage on the stage for many sessions I prefer to interact directly with my audience and find out where they are at and address their issues and concerns. As a social constructivist, I prefer a highly interactive workshop or town hall format where the creative and collaborative power of a group can be harnessed to bring about learning for all participants. Whether we use an open discussion in a small group, a Twitter backchannel in a large venue, or a chat session in a webinar I believe it is crucial for me to listen to the audience and engage them.
Power of Digital Media
I am an advocate of all forms of digital media and look for opportunities to embed video, images, and sound into all my interactions whether they take the form of an online class, workshop, professional development session, presentation, or keynote.
The following are a few examples of some of my previous work:
My Most Requested Topics
I speak on topics related to teaching and learning, change and innovation, mobile and online learning, and educational technology. I will customize my presentation to meet your organization’s specific needs and my goal is to provide the outcome you need.
My most requested topics include the following. Keep in mind that I can present these as a keynote, webinar, or a half, full or multi-day workshop.
Creating significant learning environments
Curriculum development and instructional design
Giving learners choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities
Using disruptive innovation as a catalyst to bring about change
Online and mobile learning
Organizational Change
Pedagogy as a foundation for implementing online and mobile learning
Using technology to enhance learning
It’s about the learning
Previous Speaking Engagement:
The following is a list of my engagements over the past several years.
2021
Harapnuik, D. K. (2021, April). From hard pivot to seamless integration. Presentation and workshop for the Division of Education and School of Extended Learning; Governors State University, Chicago IL Virtual.
Harapnuik, D. K. (2021, Feb). Assessment as learning and aligning outcomes activities & assessment. Workshop for Coquitlam College; Coquitlam BC. Virtual.
Brown, K., Rodriguez, S., McGrew, S., McLeod, K., Walker, J., Thibodeaux, T., & Harapnuik, D. (2020, September). Crisis Innovations: Virtual Learning and COVID [Panelist]. International Council of Professors in Educational Leadership (ICPEL). Virtual
Thibodeaux, T. N. & Harapnuik, D. K., (2020, April). Graduate students’ perceptions of factors that contributed to ePortfolio persistence beyond the program of study. Paper presented at the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE) Conference. Virtual.
Thibodeaux, T. N. & Harapnuik, D. K., & Summerford, M. (2020, February). Giving learners choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities & ePortfolios. Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), Austin, TX.
2019
Harapnuik, D. K., & Thibodeaux, T. N. (2019, Nov). Graduate students’ use of feedback to deepen learning. Presentation for OLC Accelerate; Online Learning Consortium (OLC), Orlando FL.
Harapnuik, D. K., & Thibodeaux, T. N. (2019, March). Exploring students’ use of feedback to take ownership and deepen learning. Presentation for Texas Distance Learning Association Conference. Dallas, TX.
2018
Thibodeaux, T. N., & Harapnuik, D. K. (2018, August). Provost’s Kick Off: How can I encourage deep and meaningful learning through the use of ePortfolios? Lamar University, Beaumont, TX.
Harapnuik, D. K., & Thibodeaux, T. N. (2018, July). IGNITE: Change in Focus. Association for Authentic, Experiential, and Evidence-Based Learning (AAEEBL), Vancouver, Canada.
Thibodeaux, T. N., & Harapnuik D. K. (2018, June). Honor’s faculty retreat: ePortfolios. Lamar
University, Beaumont, TX.
Harapnuik, D. K., Thibodeaux, T. N., & Cummings, C. D. (2018, April). Rethinking how to make ePortfolios a high impact practice. Presentation for Lamar University Research Conference, Beaumont, TX.
Harapnuik, D. K., Thibodeaux, T. N., Cummings, C. D., & Pruett, A. (2018, March). The power of giving learners choice, ownership, voice through authentic learning opportunities. Presentation for Texas Distance Learning Association Conference. Dallas, TX.
Thibodeaux, T. N., Harapnuik, D. K., & Cummings, C. D. (2018, January). Rethinking how to make ePortfolios as a high impact practice. America Colleges and Universities: ePortfolio Forum, Washington D. C.
2017
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2017, April). Student perceptions of the COVA approach on ePortfolios and authentic projects in the DLL program. Presentation for the Digital Ticket Conference at Lamar University. Beaumont, TX.
PDF of slides: Ed Research Conference 2017.pdf
Harapnuik, D., & Thibodeaux, T. (2017, March). The COVA learning Approach: Lamar University M.Ed. in Digital Learning & Leading. Texas Distance Learning Association Conference. Galveston, TX.
PDF of Slides: TxDLA 2017 COVA & CSLE.pdf
Harapnuik, D., & Thibodeaux, T. (2017, February). Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic Learning: Lamar University M.Ed. in Digital Learning & Leading. Presentation for Capilano University, North Vancouver BC
PDF of Slides: COVA-CSLE in DLL – Feb 16 2017
Harapnuik, D., & Thibodeaux, T. (2017, February). Modelling ePortfolios: How to use and model an ePortfolio in your course/program. Presentation for Capilano University, North Vancouver BC
PDF of Slides: Modeling ePortfolios Fe6 2017
Curriculum Development (PIDP 3210). Five-day Workshop designed to enable new and experienced educators to design and build effective curriculum conducted for the Vancouver Community College (VCC) at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) Prince George, BC. 3210 Resources page
2016
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2016, August). Eportfolio Persistence: Digital Learning and Leading Program. Presentation for the AAEEBL Annual Conference. Boston, MA.
PDF of slides: AAEEBL Boston August 2016-ver2
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2016, May). Go & Show Digital Learning. Presentation for the Digital Ticket Conference at Lamar University. Beaumont, TX.
PDF of slides: LU Digital Ticket-May 19, 2016-Rev 4 Digital Ticket
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2016, April). Go & Show Digital Learning: Lamar University’s Digital Learning and Leading Program. Presentation for the CoSN Annual Conference. Washington, DC.
PDF of slides: COSN DC – April 6-2016-Rev 2
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2016, March). Blended Learning Approach: Lamar University’s Digital Learning and Leading Program. Presentation for the Texas Distance Learning Association Conference. San Antonio, TX.
PDF of slides: TxDLA San Antonio – March 31-Rev 2
Harapnuik, D., Cummings, C. & Thibodeaux, T. (2016, February). Eportfolio Persistence: Exploring Why Learners Continue or Discontinue Using Eportfolio. Presentation for the AAEEBL Western Regional Conference at Texas Christian University. Fort Worth, TX.
PDF of slides: ePortfolio Persistence AAEEBL TCU – Feb 25
2015
Using Digital Media to Engage Students. Workshop for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Power of Video. Workshop for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Future of Learning in the SoHS-What’s Your Why. Workshop for the Dean’s Leadership Team in School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
How to Build Acceptance and Overcome Resistance to Feedback. Workshop for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – SoHS-Feedback session.pdf Feedback Workshop Videos & Resources
Exploring the Fundamentals of Blended Learning and the Flipped Classroom. Information session for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Blended Learning-Info-Session-SoHS.pdf
Understanding and Combatting Resistance to Online Learning. Information session for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Online learning issues.pdf
Using Video & Digital Media to Engage Students. Information session for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Power of video.pdf Power of Video Resources page
Four Keys to Unlocking the Cultural Component of Organizational Change: The Head Won’t Go Where the Heart Hasn’t Been. Presentation for ASQ Vancouver Quality and Business Excellence Conference. Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – 4-Keys-Culture-Org-Change-ASQ Conference.pdf
Integrating Tech in Schools: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly. Presentation for the EdTech Vancouver Meetup. ZEN Maker Lab, North Vancouver, BC.
PDF of slides – ZEN Meetup- Significant Learning Environments.pdf
Exploring the Philosophy of Learning. Workshop for the Emergency Nursing program in the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Learning Philosophy for Emergency Nursing Visible Learning
Connecting the Dot for Blended Learning. Workshop for the Speciality Nursing program in the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Mindset for Change-Specialty Nursing
What is the Future of Learning in the SoHS. Workshop for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Youtube in the Learning Environment. Seminar/Workshop for the Learning and Teaching Centre at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slide – List/links of YouTube videos used in the seminar
What is the Future of Learning in the SoHS. Workshop for the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Creating Significant Learning Environments in a Quality Assurance Context. Presentation for ASQ Vancouver. Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – ASQ Presentation
Connecting the Dots. Workshop/Presentation for the Digital Arts Program in the School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Vancouver Campus, BC.
Adopting the Mindset for Change. Workshop for the Speciality Nursing program in the School of Health Sciences at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Mindset for Change-Specialty Nursing
Power of Video. Workshop for the Part Time Studies Professional Development day at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – BCIT – Youtube Workshop blogpost
Power of Intrinsic Motivation. Workshop for the Computer Science Program in the School of Computing and Academic Studies at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Motivation Session-SoCAS.pdf
Disruptive Innovation: A Catalyst for Learning. Keynote for the Business Educators’ Articulation Conference hosted by the School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Disruptive Innovation BEAC Keynote.pdf
Creating Significant Learning Environments. Two-day faculty development workshop conducted for the School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – CSLE 2 Day SoB Workshop
Start with Why. Curriculum Mornings Workshop for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – SoHS Why.pdf
Connecting the Dots VS Collecting the Dots. Curriculum Mornings Workshop for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Connecting Dots.pdf
Mindset for Change. Curriculum Mornings Workshop for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – Mindset for Change.pdf
Creating Significant Learning Environments. Curriculum Mornings Workshop for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – CSLE.pdf
Power of Intrinsic Motivation. Workshop for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – BCIT-SoHS Motivation Session.pdf
Putting the Mobile Into Learning. Workshop for the Faculty Development Wednesday Workshop Series at the Learning and Teaching Centre at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Creating Significant Learning Environments: Catalyst to Bring about Change in Higher Education. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
The power of media and technology in creating significant learning environments. Presentation for the Marketing Management Program at the School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Creating Significant Learning Environments. Four-day faculty development workshop conducted for the Nursing Program in the School of Nursing at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
PDF of slides – CSLE 4 Day Workshop.pdf
Creating significant learning environments. Presentation for the Dean’s Leadership Team at School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
2013
Creating Significant Learning Environments. Two-day faculty development workshop conducted for British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Using Mobility as a Catalyst to Bring about Change in Higher Education. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
What’s Our Why: Creating significant learning environments. Presentation to the Dean’s Council of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC.
Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW). Workshop for a small group setting designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and experienced educators conducted for the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Burnaby, BC
Change Leadership: Using Mobility as a Catalyst to Bring about Change in Higher Education. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Where are we at with Mobile Learning in Higher Education. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Using Disruptive Innovation as a Catalyst for Change in Higher Education. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Consequences of Living Your Faith in Your Profession. Presentation to Capilano Christian Assembly Men’s Group: Capilano Christian Assembly. Edmonton, AB.
2012
Concordia University is Home Education Friendly. Presentation to Students and Parents: The Home Education Exchange. Calgary, AB.
Living and Learning. Presentation for Awards Night: Mornville Christian School. Mornville, AB.
Concordia University is Home Education Friendly. Presentation to Students and Parents: The Home Education Exchange. Edmonton, AB.
Characteristics of Analytics Leadership or How to Prevent Culture from Trumping Vision. Education Analytics Panel: Best of Analytics Conference. Edmonton, AB.
Why Concordia. Presentation to Students and Parents: Alberta Home Education Association. Red Deer, AB.
Two Men Who Make a Difference. Presentation to Faculty and Staff at Concordia Annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Dinner: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Designed Leadership. Presentation to Faculty and Staff: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
The Concordia Difference. Presentation to Students and Parents at Concordia Open House: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Mobile Learning: It’s About the Learning. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Leadership. Workshop for First Year Learning Communities: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Where are we in mLearning: What’s Holding You Back. Workshop for Bringing Mobile Learning to your Institutions Conference: Academic Impressions. Houston, TX.
mLearning: an Instructional Design View. Workshop for Bringing Mobile Learning to your Institutions Conference: Academic Impressions. Houston, TX.
mLearning: at your Institution. Workshop for Bringing Mobile Learning to your Institutions Conference: Academic Impressions. Houston, TX.
mLearning: Planning Guidelines. Workshop for Bringing Mobile Learning to your Institutions Conference: Academic Impressions. Houston, TX.
Leadership: It’s Not Just for Leaders. Workshop for First Year Learning Communities: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Using Mobility to Enhance Productivity. Workshop for Executives and Directors: Alberta Criminal Justice Association. Edmonton, AB.
The Power of Living Your Faith. Presentation to Capilano Christian Assembly Men’s Group: Capilano Christian Assembly. Edmonton, AB.
Concordia Town Hall. Presentation to Faculty and Staff: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Welcome to Concordia. Presentation to Winter Session Students: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Open Studies Orientation. Presentation to Open Studies Students: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
2011
Concordia Changes Lives. Presentation to Edmonton Public and Catholic High School Councilors: Councilors Brunch at Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Concordia University Homes School Admissions Initiative. Presentation to Wisdom School District Coordinators and Board: Wisdom School District. Edmonton, AB.
It’s About the Learning. Keynote address for Fall Awards Night: Mornville Christian School. Mornville, AB.
Mobile Learning: It’s About the Learning. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Welcome to Concordia. Presentation to Incoming Freshman Students: Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
It’s About the Learning: Pre-session. Presentation to Concordia Faculty: Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Media Literacy. Presentation to the Concordia Board of Governors Initiatives and Internationalization Task Force: Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
It’s About the Learning: Academic Planning Workshop. Workshop conducted for Concordia Faculty: Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Concordia Tomorrow: It’s About the Learning. Presentation to Concordia Board of Governors: Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton, AB. 2011
Mobile Enhanced Inquiry-Based Learning (MEIBL) Bootcamp. Next Generations Learning Challenges (NGLC) Workshop conducted at the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning: Abilene Christian University. Abilene, TX.
It’s About the Learning: The Foundation for the Development and Implementation of a Strategic Academic Plan. Presentation to Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton, AB.
Using Mobility to Enhance the Learning Environment. Workshop conducted at the International Sun Conference on Teaching and Learning: University of Texas at El Paso. El Paso, TX.
Mobile Learning: It’s About the Learning. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Revolution or Evolution? Social Technologies and Change in Higher Education. Online Workshop conducted at Friday Live Weekly Webcast: TLT Group’s Online Institute. Takoma Park, MA.
Design and Implementation Success Factors: Using the iPhone to Enhance the Education Experience. Key Speaker at the Education Technology Strategies for Universities, Colleges and K-12 Schools: Strategy Institute. Toronto, OT.
Student Perspective on Mobile Learning. Panel Chair for Symposium conducted at the ACU Connected Summit: Abilene Christian University. Abilene, TX.
Faculty Perspective on Mobile Learning. Panel Chair for Symposium conducted at the ACU Connected Summit: Abilene Christian University. Abilene, TX.
Using Mobility as a Catalyst to Change the Learning Environment. Symposium conducted at the 5th Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Texas A&M University. Kingsville, TX.
Are We Expecting Enough of Our Learners. Workshop conducted at the Abilene Christian University 2011 Winter Pre-session. Abilene, TX.
2010
Revolution or Evolution? Social Technologies and Change in Higher Education. Symposium conducted at the Gateways to New Directions: 35th Annual POD Conference. St. Louis, MI.
Mobile Learning: It’s About the Learning. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
ACU Connected Open House Conference, Abilene, TX.
Mobility and Next-Wave Interaction in HigherEd. Presentation for Christian Admissions Councilor Retreat. Abilene, TX.
Mobile Learning: It’s About the Learning. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Athabasca Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies course: MDDE 610. Athabasca, AB.
Developing a Campus-Wide Mobile Learning Initiative at ACU. Webinar guest lecture conducted for University of Victoria Distributed and Mobile Learning course: EDCI 339. Victoria, BC.
ACU Connected Open House Conference, Abilene, TX.
Mobile Learning Initiative Update and New Opportunities. Webinar conducted for the Portage College Professional Development Series. Lac La Biche, AB.
The Future of Mobile Learning. Workshop conducted at the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative Annual Meeting, Austin TX.
2009 and older
Rankin, W., Dickson, K., Harapnuik, D., & Saltsman, G. (2009, October). ACU Connected Open House Conference, Abilene, TX.
Harapnuik, D., & Wall, T. (2008, October). Enhancing Learning With Web 2.0. Symposium conducted at the League for Innovation CIT 2008 Conference on Information Technology, Salt Lake City, UT.
Harapnuik, D., & Gross, C. (2008, October). SPARC Your Passion for Learning Through Lethbridge College’s Learning Connections. Symposium conducted at the League for Innovation CIT 2008 Conference on Information Technology, Salt Lake City, UT.
Harapnuik, D., & Harker, R. (2008, October). B.Y.O. Laptop: Enable Student Laptops to Access College Software. Symposium conducted at the League for Innovation CIT 2008 Conference on Information Technology, Salt Lake City, UT.
Harapnuik, D., & Wall, T. (2008, October). Enhancing Learning With Web 2.0. Symposium conducted at the League for Innovation CIT 2008 Conference on Information Technology, Salt Lake City, UT.
Harapnuik, D., & Corbett, R. (2007, October). Self Directed Online Professional Development for Educators? Symposium conducted at the Distributed Learning in the 21st Century: Shaping the Future of Learning Symposium, Edmonton, AB.
Harapnuik, D. (2007, May). Impact of Web 2.0 and M-Learning. Symposium conducted at the Alberta Business Education Association Conference, Waterton Lakes National Park, AB.
Harapnuik, D., Papp, D., & Saito, F. (2001, February). Discover Hacking. Symposium conducted at the Business Security Series at Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton, AB.
Harapnuik, D., Papp, D., & Saito, F. (2001, April). Discover Hacking. Symposium conducted at the Business Security Series at the Calgary Convention Center, Calgary, AB.
Harapnuik, D., Montgomerie, T.C., & Torgerson, C. (1998, November). Costs of Developing and
Delivering a Instruction Course. Symposium conducted at WebNet 98–World Conference of the WWW, Internet, and Intranet, Orlando, FL.
Montgomerie, T.C., Harapnuik, D., Keenan, T., Chugh, U., Kirek, I. Pfoh, H. Smith, N. & Udey, N. (1998, January). Development of a Delivery System for Multimedia Instruction over the Internet: The Adaptive Multimedia Education Enabler (AMEE). Symposium conducted at the 20th Annual Pacific Telecommunications Conference “Coping with Convergence –the Future is Now,” Honolulu, HI.
Harapnuik, D., & Montgomerie, T.C. (1998, February). Web-Based Instruction: Lessons Learned,
Lessons Shared. Poster session presented at Research Revelations 98, Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., Harapnuik, D., & Torgerson C. (1998, March). True Costs of Web-Based Instruction. Symposium conducted at Media Prosperity ’98 — A joint conference of AMTEC (Association for Media and Technology use in Canada) and ENMI (Edmonton New Media Initiative), Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1998, March). Student Evaluations of Web-Based Instruction, Symposium conducted at Media Prosperity ’98 — A joint conference of AMTEC (Association for Media and Technology use in Education in Canada) and ENMI (Edmonton New Media Initiative), Edmonton, AB.
Harapnuik, D. (1997, March). Putting your Course Online. Symposium conducted at the Train the Trainer Series at Grant MacEwan Community College, Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1998, March). The Internet: Communicating, Accessing and
Providing Information, A poster session for Leaders in Learning ’98: Celebrating Innovation in Educational Technologies at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Harapnuik, D., & Montgomerie, T.C. (1997, June). Delivering a Course on the Web. Symposium
conducted at The Digital Planet: University of Alberta Campus Computing Symposium, Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., Harapnuik, D., & Palmer, K. (1997, June). Managing, Supporting and Administering Web-Based Courses. Poster session presented at ED-MEDIA 97 & ED-TELECOM 97 – World Conference on Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia & World Conference on Educational Telecommunications, Calgary, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1997, June). The Internet –Communicating, Accessing & Providing Information: An On-Line Web-Based Course. Symposium conducted at ED-MEDIA 97 & ED-TELECOM 97 – World Conference on Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia & World Conference on Educational Telecommunications, Calgary, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., Harapnuik, D., & Simpson, I. (1997, June). The Adaptive Multimedia Education Enabler. T.C. Symposium conducted at The Digital Planet: University of Alberta Campus Computing Symposium, Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T. C., Birdsell, R., Harapnuik, D., McCracken, J. Smith, N., & Udey, N. (1997, April). The Adaptive Multimedia Education Enabler. Symposium conducted at Alberta Advanced Education, Edmonton, AB.
Montgomerie, T. C., Birdsell, R., Harapnuik, D., McCracken, J. Smith, N., Udey, N. & Chugh, U. (1997, April). The Adaptive Multimedia Education Enabler. Symposium conducted at Leading Together: Fostering Success in and Diverse Learning Community sponsored by the Alberta Association for Continuing Education (AACE) presentation: AMEE Consortium, Calgary, AB.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1997, November). Student Evaluation of a Web-Based Course. Symposium conducted at WebNet – 97 — World Conference of the WWW, Internet, and Intranet, Toronto, ON.
Montgomerie, T.C., Harapnuik, D., & Palmer, K. (1997, December). An Online Database System for Managing, Supporting, and Administering Web-Based Courses. Symposium conducted at the International Conference on Computers in Education, Kuching, Malaysia.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1997, December). Putting Your Course Online: Lessons Learned, Lessons Shared. A Tutorial (presession) given to the International Conference on Computers in Education, Kuching, Malaysia.
Montgomerie, T.C., & Harapnuik, D. (1996, October). Observations on Web-Based Course Development & Delivery. Symposium conducted at WebNet ‘96 – Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education, San Francisco, CA.
Harapnuik, D. (1996, May). Business on the Internet. Edmonton, AB: Compusmart Business Series.
Harapnuik, D. (1996, June). Conducting Business on the Internet. Edmonton, AB: OA Internet.
An old adage states: “Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand.” I like to take this a step further by adding “challenge me and I learn.”
Even though I have taught thousands of students at a variety of institutions I hesitate to call myself a professor, teacher, or instructor. I would rather be called a learning facilitator. This is really NOT a matter of semantics but is fundamental to understanding the significance of constructivism, active learning, inquiry-based learning, and learner-centered education as a whole.
Teaching, or to teach, is to impart knowledge or skill to someone by instruction or example; or to give lessons in a subject. In contrast, learning, or to learn, is coming to know something, to acquire knowledge, or to find something out. Therefore a teacher is a person who imparts knowledge or skill through instruction or example while a learning facilitator is one who creates an environment in which someone can come to know something, acquire knowledge, or gain information and experience.
The significance in these definitions and the realization of what happens when we teach as opposed to facilitating learning is that a teacher by definition is focused on themselves and their ability to impart knowledge. The saying “sage on the stage” is extremely appropriate in this context. In contrast, a learning facilitator is focused on the learner and on creating a desirable environment in which the learner can come to know, acquire knowledge or make a meaningful connection–“a guide on the side.”
Learning is an active and dynamic process in which learners construct new ideas or concepts based upon their current/past knowledge. The making of meaningful connections is key to learning and knowing.
We need to move from the passive educational environment of main lecture points, rubrics, individual competition, and standardized testing to an active educational environment of interactive presentations, critical and analytical thinking, collaboration, and meaningful projects.
The above principles of learning are practically realized in Inquivisitism which constructivist fundamentals include:
Fear removal
Stimulation of Inquisitiveness
Getting started fast
Using the system to learn the system
Discovery learning
Modules can be completed in any order
Supporting error recognition and recovery
Developing optimal training designs
Forum for discussion and exploiting prior knowledge
Real-world assignments
When you combine these fundamentals with a purposeful design to build a holistic student-centered learning environment we can create significant learning environments that will help our learners learn how to learn and grow into the people we all hope they will become.
This really isn’t a new concept. We design information systems, smart buildings, ecological friendly communities, and so many aspects of our society but we, unfortunately, do not apply this holistic approach to designing learning environments. Whether we are purposeful in its design or we just allow the circumstances to dictate its development, schools, colleges, and universities are providing learning environments for their students.
Rather than allow the environment to come together inadvertently and respond reactively to the learning dynamics that arise I suggest that educators become proactive and create significant learning environments that inspire, foster, and facilitate deeper learning. The following mandala highlights the components that we need to consider when we are creating significant learning environments:
This summary of my learning philosophy represents several decades of evaluation, analysis, and synthesis and is better understood in the context of the following research and exploration:
, Dweck makes the well researched argument that intelligence and talent are not fixed a birth and that by adopting a growth mindset, learners become more willing to take on challenges, try harder, embrace setbacks, learn from feedback/criticism, find inspiration in other’s success and ultimately reach higher levels of achievement. These are all the characteristics that we want in all learners especially as we move into the 
was referenced and is worth the read.
